Microstructures and Tribological Properties of Al-Cu-Fe quasicrystalline plasma sprayed coatings

The physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of quasicrystalline coatings based on the Al₆₅Cu₂₃Fe₁₂ alloy prepared by plasma spraying have been investigated. The specific features of the phase formation due to the competitive interactions of the icosahedral Ψ and cubic β phases have been elucidated. A correlation between the microhardness and the content of the icosahedral phase in the coating has been determined. The decisive role of the quasicrystalline phase in the formation of high tribological characteristics of the coatings has been revealed and tested. (paper)